March 2018 Pillar Post

Pillar Posts ~ From Sierra Pacific Region Chairs

March 2018

(Please read as correspondence at your next business meeting & email to your club’s Committee Chairs.)

FUNDRAISING  by Barbara Giambastini, SPR Chair

Soroptimist’s Dream Programs empower disadvantaged women and girls by providing access to education.  Within the territorial limits of Soroptimist International of the Americas there is an estimated 20 million women and girls that need our help. Has your club made Soroptimist their cause of choice by redirecting club funds given to other organizations to our Dream Programs?  By focusing our fundraising efforts on our own programs, we will be able to help more women and girls live their dreams.

MEMBERSHIP PILLAR POST by Amory Elizondo, SPR Chair

Tip of the Month: Retention: As we start to come to the end of our year it’s time to start thinking about your retention efforts.  Although retention should be ongoing this is when we put it into overdrive.  Get with your Membership chair and strategize how to retain your new members, members that haven’t participated in a while, and members that you think are on the fence about rejoining next year.

March Challenge: Chose from the following and submit to Amory at spmembership@soroptimist.net

1. Review the Retention Manuel found on our SPR website.
2. Meet with your newest members and ask them how they’re enjoying the club (extra point for a group picture of you meeting)
3. Get your newest members to Chair or Co-Chair a committee next year.

**Challenge completions will be added to your Shaping the Future Award application for 2018

PROGRAM PILLAR POST by Gail Dekreon, SPR Chair

BEYOND THE CASH AWARD: Need ideas on how to give your Live Your Dream recipients additional needed support that is not cash? Try these easy ideas to KEEP IN TOUCH:

• Meet with past recipients to understand their needs
• Include funds to meet those needs in your service budget
• Apply for Soroptimist Club Grants to fund those needs
• Reach out frequently by email, phone calls, and cards around holidays, graduation, birthdays, and Mother’s Day

PUBLIC AWARENESS PILLAR POST by Kate McGuire, SPR Chair & Team

New SIA Password Requirements: If you’ve read the latest SIA headquarters summary, you are probably aware that ALL clubs and club members have to change their passwords if they want to log into the SIA website. But if you haven’t seen that notice and have been unable to login, here’s what you need to know. Passwords must now include:at least

seven (7) characters with:   one letter        and      one number

These new passwords are required if you want to make donations, add new members, or interact with SIA member directories. Contact SIA membership services at siahq@soroptimist.org or call (215) 893-9000, if you have questions or need help.